Leon

(lā-ōnˈ)

1. A historical region and former kingdom of northwest Spain. United first with Asturias (eighth-ninth century), it was conquered by Castile in 1037, became independent in 1157, and was rejoined with Castile in 1230.
2. A city of central Mexico east-northeast of Guadalajara. It was founded in the 1570s and today is a commercial and industrial center in a rich mining area. Population: 1,140,000.
3. A city of western Nicaragua northwest of Managua. Founded in 1524 on Lake Managua, it was moved to its present site after a severe earthquake in 1610. Population: 139,000.
4. A city of northwest Spain at the foot of the Cantabrian Mountains south-southeast of Oviedo. Reconquered from the Moors in 882, it is now a popular tourist center. Population: 135,000.